Glove for engaging a bow

ABSTRACT

Gloves usable to engage a bowstring can include a glove body having a collar, strap, or band integrally attached thereto between interior and exterior layers of material. An adjustment feature of the collar can extend through an opening in an exterior layer of the glove body, and a bow engagement member engaged with the collar can extend through another opening in the exterior layer of the glove body. The bow engagement member can be movable between a first position in which the bow engagement member extends in a first direction, and a second position in which the bow engagement member extends in a second direction generally opposite the first. A fastener can engage and retain the bow engagement member in the second position.

FIELD

Embodiments usable within the scope of the present disclosure relate, generally, to archery gloves, and more specifically, to gloves having features for gripping and/or otherwise engaging a bowstring attached thereto.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the detailed description of various embodiments usable within the scope of the present disclosure, presented below, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 depicts a top view of an embodiment of a glove usable within the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2A depicts a bottom view of the glove of FIG. 1.

FIG. 2B depicts the glove of FIG. 2A having a bow engagement member in an alternate position.

FIG. 3 depicts a diagrammatic cross-sectional view of the glove of FIG. 1.

One or more embodiments are described below with reference to the listed Figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Before describing selected embodiments of the present invention in detail, it is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular embodiments described herein. The disclosure and description herein is illustrative and explanatory of one or more presently preferred embodiments of the invention and variations thereof, and it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes in the design, organization, order of operation, means of operation, equipment structures and location, methodology, and use of mechanical equivalents may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

As well, it should be understood the drawings are intended illustrate and plainly disclose presently preferred embodiments of the invention to one of skill in the art, but are not intended to be manufacturing level drawings or renditions of final products and may include simplified conceptual views as desired for easier and quicker understanding or explanation of the invention. As well, the relative size and arrangement of the components may differ from that shown and still operate within the spirit of the invention as described throughout the present application.

Moreover, it will be understood that various directions such as “upper”, “lower”, “bottom”, “top”, “left”, “right”, and so forth are made only with respect to explanation in conjunction with the drawings, and that the components may be oriented differently, for instance, during transportation and manufacturing as well as operation. Because many varying and different embodiments may be made within the scope of the inventive concept(s) herein taught, and because many modifications may be made in the embodiments described herein, it is to be understood that the details herein are to be interpreted as illustrative and non-limiting.

A conventional archery release typically includes a claw or similar member at the distal end thereof, usable to engage a bowstring, and a shaft extending from the claw to engage a strap or collar, normally worn around a user's wrist. In use, the claw can be engaged with the bowstring, then used to pull the bowstring backward. A mechanical release mechanism associated with the claw can then be actuated to cause the bowstring to be released, loosing a nocked arrow. Because it is desirable to wear a glove while using a bow, to protect a user's hand from both the bowstring and the elements, an archery release is often worn over a glove, which can create discomfort, cause the glove material to wrinkle and/or bunch, create difficulty when adjusting and fitting the release over the glove, can cause forces applied to the claw and shaft to be undesirably transferred to the glove material, and can interfere with the hunter's manipulation of the bowstring, generally hindering the effectiveness of the release, and of the hunter. Alternative products include gloves having an opening in the palm region, such that an archery release can be worn under the glove while the shaft and claw extend through the opening in the palm. Such alternatives are similarly uncomfortable and result in the undesirable application of forces from the bowstring to the glove, and are also difficult to adjust and fit properly.

To enable a hunter or recreational archer to free his or her hands for other activities, while continuing to wear an archery release, some releases are able to retract and/or pivot away from the palm, to engage Velcro™ or a similar element on the collar. Due to the noise produced by Velcro™ when disengaged, use of this feature is often undesirable for hunters when such a noise may alert or frighten game.

A need therefore exists for a glove usable to engage a bow that overcomes these and other difficulties. Embodiments usable within the scope of the present disclosure include a glove body, formed from a generally flexible material (e.g., leather, textiles, etc.) having an interior and exterior layer. A collar, strap, and/or band can be integrally attached to the glove body (e.g., sewn or otherwise secured thereto), and in an embodiment, can be attached between the interior and exterior layers of material. An opening in the front side of the glove body (e.g., through the exterior layer, proximate to the palm) can accommodate extension of a bow engagement member engaged to the collar (e.g., via a bracket), while in a further embodiment, an opening in the back side of the glove can accommodate a buckle or similar attachment and/or adjustable feature of the collar.

In an embodiment, the bow engagement member and/or bracket can be movable (e.g., pivotable) between a first position in which the bow engagement member extends toward the front side of the glove body (e.g., over the palm and toward the fingers), and a second position in which the bow engagement member extends in a generally opposite direction (e.g., toward the back side of the glove body—toward the wrist, such that the palm is generally unobstructed). A hook, catch, clasp, or similar generally noiseless fastener can be used to retain the bow engagement member in the second position.

Use of a collar, strap, and/or band integrally attached to the glove body can prevent forces applied to the collar from undesirably affecting the position and fit of the glove. Positioning of a collar between interior and exterior layers of the glove body can prevent discomfort caused by contact between the collar and a user's skin, can muffle sounds associated with movement and/or adjustment of the collar, and can further facilitate the favorable distribution of forces when the bow engagement member is used to pull a bowstring.

Referring now to FIG. 1, the top (e.g., back) side of an embodiment of a glove (10) usable within the scope of the present disclosure is shown. As known in the art, gloves can be made from any generally flexible material (e.g., leather, cotton, cloth, textiles, rubber) and have a shape designed to conform generally to a user's hand. The depicted back side of the glove (10) includes portions corresponding to the back of the hand (12), the top of the wrist (14), the upper side of the thumb (16), and the upper side of each finger (18), which, in combination with the front side of the glove (10), shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, defines an interior (20) into which a user's hand can be inserted.

The depicted embodiment is shown having two openings, namely a first slit (22A) and a second slit (22B), through which a collar (24) extends. Specifically, the depicted collar can be disposed between external and internal layers of material of the glove (10), which can prevent uncomfortable contact between the collar (24) and a user's skin, can minimize bunching and/or other undesirable affects on the glove material caused by manipulating the collar (24), and can result in favorable distribution of forces applied to the collar (24), e.g., by an attached bow engagement member. The collar (24) is shown having an adjustment feature associated therewith, namely, a buckle (26) having a protruding member adapted for engagement with orifices in a strap (28), such that the collar (24) can be tightened and/or loosened, as needed, to accommodate a wrist of a user. The wrist portion of the glove (10) can concurrently be tightened and/or loosened through manipulation of the collar (24) in this manner.

Referring now to FIG. 2A, the lower (e.g., front) side of the glove (10) of FIG. 1 is depicted, having portions corresponding to the palm (30), the bottom of the wrist (32), the lower side of the thumb (34), and the lower side of each finger (36), which in combination with the back side of the glove (10), define the interior (20) into which a user's hand can be positioned. An opening (38) (e.g., a slit or similar type of orifice) is shown formed in the glove (10), through which a portion of the collar (24) protrudes, the protruding portion shown having a bracket (40) engaged therewith. A bow engagement mechanism (e.g., a bowstring release device) is shown attached to the bracket (40), the depicted engagement mechanism having a shaft portion (42) extending between the bracket (40) and a claw portion (44). A release mechanism (46) is usable to manipulate the claw portion (44) to engage and disengage from a bowstring. It should be understood that while FIG. 2A depicts one particular type of bow engagement mechanism, embodiments usable within the scope of the present disclosure can be used in conjunction with any type of bow engagement mechanism, and that while FIG. 2A depicts a bracket (40), bow engagement mechanisms could be engaged to any type of mounting member, or directly to the collar (24), without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2A also shows a fastener (48), usable to restrain the bow engagement mechanism in an alternate position. For example, in an embodiment, the bow engagement mechanism can be securable (e.g., using a catch and/or ratchet-type engagement) in the position depicted in FIG. 2A and/or biased (e.g., spring biased) toward the position shown. When it is desirable to reposition the bow engagement mechanism such that a user's hand can become available for other activities, unimpeded by the presence of the bow engagement mechanism, the shaft (42) and/or bracket (40) can be moved (e.g., pivoted, rotated, etc.) to the position depicted in FIG. 2B, such that the shaft (42), claw portion (44), bracket (40), or combinations thereof can be engaged by the fastener (48) to retain the bow engagement mechanism in the position shown in FIG. 2B.

In an embodiment, the fastener (48) can include a substantially noiseless fastener, such as a hook, catch, clasp, loop, or similar member into which the shaft (42), claw portion (44), and/or bracket (40) can be engaged without generating significant noise. Alternative mechanisms, such as Velcro™, snaps, or clamps and/or catches that require manipulation of parts may undesirably generate sounds that deter game.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a diagrammatic cross-sectional view of the glove shown in FIGS. 1, 2A, and 2B, which depicts one possible placement of the collar (24) relative to other portions of the glove body. In the depicted embodiment, the glove is shown having an exterior layer of material (50) positioned external to an interior layer of material (52), which together form a glove body defining the interior (20 thereof for receiving a user's hand. Two openings (22A, 22B) are shown in the upper side of the exterior layer (50), which are also depicted in FIG. 1. The openings (22A, 22B) accommodate passage of a portion of the collar (24), such that the buckle (26) and strap (28), described previously, can be positioned external to the exterior layer (50) for access by a user, e.g., to tighten and/or loosen the collar (24) and/or glove body. An opening (38) is shown in the lower portion of the exterior layer (50) for accommodating passage of a portion of the collar (24) having a bracket (40) engaged therewith, e.g., for engagement with a bow engagement member, as described previously. In a embodiment, the collar (24) can be generally integrated with the body of the glove, e.g., sewn thereto and/or otherwise fixed in place, or alternatively, the collar (24) can be retained in place through placement between the interior and exterior layers (52, 50) of material, independent of any other form of connection.

In use, when the bow engagement member (e.g., the claw (44), shown in FIG. 2A) is used to engage and pull a bowstring, force generated by the tendency of the bowstring to return to an unstretched position will be applied to the bow engagement member, e.g., transmitted to the claw (44), which in turn transmit the force to the shaft portion (42). Force from the shaft portion (42) is in turn transferred to the bracket (40), and via the bracket (40), to the collar (24). Due to the positioning of the collar (24) relative to the glove body and the integration of the collar (24) therewith, the force applied to the collar (24) by the bowstring does not significantly interfere with the glove body, and the position of the glove body does not significantly interfere with manipulation of the bowstring.

Embodiments described herein can thereby provide gloves and methods usable to provide the simultaneous protection of a glove and use of an archery release without interfering with the comfort, fit, or operation of the glove or archery release.

While various embodiments usable within the scope of the present disclosure have been described with emphasis, it should be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the present invention can be practiced other than as specifically described herein. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A glove usable for engaging a bowstring, the glove comprising: a glove body comprising a front end, a back end, an exterior layer, and an interior layer; a collar integrally attached to the glove body and proximate to the back end; and a bracket engaged with the collar and extending through the glove body, wherein the bracket is adapted for engaging a bow release mechanism.
 2. The glove of claim 1, wherein the glove body further comprises a front side and a back side, and wherein an opening in the exterior layer for accommodating the bracket is disposed on the front side.
 3. The glove of claim 2, wherein the collar further comprises an adjustment feature for tightening or loosening the collar, an attachment feature, or combinations thereof, extending through an additional opening disposed on the back side of the glove body.
 4. The glove of claim 1, wherein the collar is disposed between the exterior layer and the interior layer.
 5. The glove of claim 1, wherein the bracket is movable between a first position in which the bracket extends toward the front end of the glove body and a second position in which the bracket extends toward the back end of the glove body.
 6. The glove of claim 5, further comprising a bow engagement member engaged with the bracket.
 7. The glove of claim 6, further comprising a fastener disposed on the bow engagement member, the glove body, or combinations thereof, wherein the fastener engages the bow engagement member to retain the bracket in the second position.
 8. The glove of claim 7, wherein the fastener comprises a substantially noiseless fastener.
 9. The glove of claim 8, wherein the fastener comprises a hook, a catch, a clasp, or combinations thereof.
 10. A glove usable for engaging a bowstring, the glove comprising: a glove body comprising an interior layer of material, an exterior layer of material, a front side, and a back side, wherein a first opening is formed through the exterior layer in the front side and a second opening is formed through the exterior layer in the back side; a collar, strap, band, or combinations thereof integrally attached to the glove body between the exterior layer of material and the interior layer of material, wherein a portion of the collar comprising an adjustable attachment feature extends from the glove body through the second opening; a bow engagement member engaged with the collar and extending through the first opening, wherein the bow engagement member is movable between a first position in which the bow engagement member extends in a first direction and a second position in which the bow engagement member extends in a second direction generally opposite the first direction; and a fastener configured to engage the bow engagement member and retain the bow engagement member in the second position.
 11. The glove of claim 10, wherein the fastener comprises a substantially noiseless fastener.
 12. The glove of claim 11, wherein the fastener comprises a hook, a catch, a clasp, or combinations thereof.
 13. A method for engaging a bowstring, the method comprising the steps of: providing a glove body comprising an interior layer of material, an exterior layer of material, an opening in the exterior layer of material, a collar integrally attached to the glove body between the exterior layer of material and the interior layer of material, and a bow engagement member engaged with the collar and extending through the opening; and engaging a bowstring with the bow engagement member, wherein a force from the bow engagement member is transferred to the collar, and wherein the glove body remains in a generally stationary position.
 14. The method of claim 13, further comprising moving the bow engagement member from a first position in which the bow engagement member extends in a first direction that at least partially obstructs a front surface of the glove body to a second position in which the bow engagement member extends in a second direction generally opposite the first direction such that the front surface of the glove body is generally unobstructed.
 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising engaging the bow engagement member with a fastener to retain the bow engagement member in the second position.
 16. The method of claim 13, further comprising securing the glove body to a user by using an attachment feature of the collar extending through an additional opening in the exterior layer of material.
 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising adjusting a tightness of the glove body using the attachment feature of the collar. 